If not for the fact that he played so many seasons in other cities, I would probably choose Mahovlich, too.

Still, it feels wrong not to be choosing Syl Apps or Ted Kennedy. The more I think about it, the more I find it impossible to choose just one Leaf. It ultimately forces us to select arbitrary criteria on the one hand, or otoh, to make a largely emotional decision.

He played longer in Toronto than for any other team, basically half his 22 year pro hockey career was in TO.

I am surprised Mahovolich was not listed in the poll. Out of the players listed in the poll my choice would be Syl Apps who IMHO just noses out Charlie Conacher. Note Apps only played 10 seasons for the Leafs and Conacher played 9 seasons - both less than the Big M.

Also you would have to give some consideration to Gordie Drillon who in a fairly short NHL career was the last Leafs player to lead the NHL in scoring in 1938, won the lady Byng and was an all-star three times.